AirTran exec leaving amid Southwest acquisition

AirTran Airways' executive vice president of corporate affairs Stephen Kolski will retire from the airline April 29, the company announced.

The Orlando-based airline is set to be acquired by Dallas-based Southwest Airlines in a deal expected to close in the next few months, pending shareholder and regulatory approval.

Kolski, 70, has been with the company since 1999, said in a written statement that he will "stay involved in the aviation industry" while spending more time with his family. He plans to remain in Orlando.

According to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company amended Kolski's executive benefits agreement so he will still receive change-in-control benefits as long as the Southwest-AirTran deal is completed before Dec. 31. According to an earlier SEC filing, Kolski's total estimated merger benefits were about $1.5 million.

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